Dave Giles II on Being on Beyonce “Cozy”, Chicago Hip House & More (Audio Only) | The Almanac of Rap

On this throwback episode of The Almanac of Rap, Donwill sits down with Grammy Award-winning songwriter and Chicago native Dave Giles II for a deep dive into Hip House, Chicago house music and the city's evolving relationship with hip-hop. Dave, co-writer and producer of Beyonce’s hit song “Cozy” from her #1 album Renaissance, remembers growing up in a Chicago where house music wasn't a separate scene; it was simply part of everyday Black life, from radio and skating rinks to block parties and neighborhood venues. He and Donwill revisit pioneers like Mike Dunn, Chicago's Black club culture, and the unique style of rapping that developed alongside house music. Dave breaks down: The connection between the geography of Chicago's house era to the neighborhoods that later became central to drill music. Examines how housing displacement, demolished public housing communities and neighborhood upheaval reshaped the city's culture. Common's memories of Chicago nightlife. Hip House's connection to hip-hop's Jamaican party-rocking roots. Dave's Grammy win and work on Beyoncé's Renaissance. 🤳🏾 Got a question, comment or compliment? Leave a message today at 1-877-DONWILL (366-9455) It might just end up in an episode!🎙️ Check out OkayPlayer: https://www.okayplayer.com/ Subscribe to OkayPlayer’s newsletter: https://newsletters.okayplayer.com/ Follow Donwill: Instagram:   / donwill   Website: https://www.Donwill.me | https://www.donwill.substack.com Follow Dave Giles II:   / davegilesii   Follow us on social media: Instagram:   / okayplayer   Twitter:   / okayplayer   Facebook:   / okayplayer   TikTok:   / okayplayer_   OkayFuture Labs: https://okayfuturelabs.com OkayAfrica: https://okayafrica.comCheck out OkayPlayer: https://www.okayplayer.com/ Follow us on social media: Instagram:   / okayplayer   Twitter:   / okayplayer   Facebook:   / okayplayer   TikTok:   / okayplayer_   OkayFuture Labs: https://okayfuturelabs.com OkayAfrica: https://okayafrica.com